MANILA – A potential shortage in jet fuel due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East could disrupt air travel, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday.
Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg, Marcos highlighted growing constraints in global oil supply and delays in fuel processing, warning that these factors may impact airline operations in the near term.
He also noted a concerning trend where certain countries have limited refueling access for foreign carriers. This forces airlines to load enough fuel for round-trip flights, placing added strain on operations—particularly for long-distance routes.
Despite efforts to maintain stability, the President admitted that grounding flights is a scenario that authorities are preparing for.
“It’s something we are trying to prevent, but it remains a distinct possibility,” Marcos said.
Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the Philippines still has sufficient fuel reserves, with supplies projected to last several weeks.
According to Garin, current estimates show around 38 days of jet fuel supply, along with ample reserves of gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products.
She added that the government has strengthened coordination with international partners, including China, Japan, and South Korea, to help stabilize supply amid global uncertainties.
ia/xf
